librarianlirael's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ireliajellycomb's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I love Robin McKinley's writing style, she really evokes a dreamlike, mythic quality. The first story was my favorite, "The Healer". Then "Touk's House" was the other I really liked.
The other stories are... oddly almost like slice-of-life. A peek into different characters' lives for the brief moments you get to walk with them. It's quite odd because it feels like you met someone in the important moments of their lives but leave before finding out how it ends. This might be unsatisfying to some people, but it's an interesting kind of storytelling that leaves me wondering what their lives will be like, and makes an impression on the imagination. It's very Robin McKinley to leave you wondering what happens after the close of the story. I think that's a valid sort of storytelling too, even if it leaves me craving more.
The other stories are... oddly almost like slice-of-life. A peek into different characters' lives for the brief moments you get to walk with them. It's quite odd because it feels like you met someone in the important moments of their lives but leave before finding out how it ends. This might be unsatisfying to some people, but it's an interesting kind of storytelling that leaves me wondering what their lives will be like, and makes an impression on the imagination. It's very Robin McKinley to leave you wondering what happens after the close of the story. I think that's a valid sort of storytelling too, even if it leaves me craving more.
jerseygrrrl's review against another edition
2.0
I was disappointed in this book. I was hoping to get some backstory to some of the more elusive characters in The Blue Sword and The Hero & The Crown. Two of the stories involved characters from TBS and THTC, but didn't provide much insight. *Sigh.*
cmbohn's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
belleoftheb00ks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
rachel_abby_reads's review against another edition
2.0
This isn't the greatest read. It was a collection of 5 short stories. In one, a girl falls in love with a half stag-half human; in another, she falls in love with a troll. The stories aren't particularly thoughtful, and the main message seems to be "love can sure crop up in unexpected ways and places." I can think of other books that say the same thing, with greater taste and skill.
pnw_michelle's review against another edition
4.0
Oh Robin McKinley, how I love you. These stories, no exception. What struck me about these stories was how much kindness I found in the characters who inhabit them. In many cases the kindness of strangers (or strange entities that aren't human) shape the events of the tale, and I was left feeling warmed by each one. Lovely.
elizabethcaneday's review against another edition
2.0
My rating says it all - I'm pretty sure this is my first two-star rating I've ever given a book on Goodreads.
Healer is my favorite story in this collection. Buttercups wasn't terrible, but not a favorite. A Knot in the Grain was okay, though there was somewhat of a plot hole - where on earth did the box come from? Touk's House and The Stagman tied for last place, as I didn't enjoy either at all.
I love Robin McKinley's style and prose, but sometimes the content, thematic elements, or certain unbiblical aspects force a lower rating, which was the case with this one. Besides, I didn't enjoy it, and I prefer to read books I enjoy.
Healer is my favorite story in this collection. Buttercups wasn't terrible, but not a favorite. A Knot in the Grain was okay, though there was somewhat of a plot hole - where on earth did the box come from? Touk's House and The Stagman tied for last place, as I didn't enjoy either at all.
I love Robin McKinley's style and prose, but sometimes the content, thematic elements, or certain unbiblical aspects force a lower rating, which was the case with this one. Besides, I didn't enjoy it, and I prefer to read books I enjoy.
tamunra's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Short stories aren't my thing; I invest too much in the characters, only to have it end too soon. (Plus, they remind me of literature classes.) However, I really like McKinley's other fantasy works, so I picked this up.
It was satisfying and what I expected. Gentle stories of love and relationships, self-growth and learning to understand others. There's sadness but not anguish. I could read an entire story in an evening, and go to bed with the feeling of completeness that the protagonists find at the end.
I really like Robin McKinley; it's a shame I've come to her works largely as an adult, but I like knowing that I've read things recently that I'll be able to introduce to my daughter in a few years.
It was satisfying and what I expected. Gentle stories of love and relationships, self-growth and learning to understand others. There's sadness but not anguish. I could read an entire story in an evening, and go to bed with the feeling of completeness that the protagonists find at the end.
I really like Robin McKinley; it's a shame I've come to her works largely as an adult, but I like knowing that I've read things recently that I'll be able to introduce to my daughter in a few years.